IRISH COUNCIL BILL

Gisborne Times, Volume XXV, Issue 2088, 24 May 1907, Page 2

IRISH COUNCIL BILL

Press Association—Copyright. PRESS OPINIONS. LONDON, May 22. The Times’ Dublin correspondent, dealing with the convention, says that the general impression is that Mr. Redmond recently made gross political miscalculation, and has now tried to cover up his tracks. Many Unionists fear that the Nationalists will seek a return to popularity on a wave of agrarian agitation. The Times emphasises the seriousness of the blow to the Government, and Mr. Birrell declares that the fate of the Bill must further affect the already' waning authority of the Government. Its present feelings towards the Irish party will hardly dispose the Government to defer to the audacious demand to proceed with a series of highly contentious measures.

The Daily Chronicle declares that Mr. Birrell’s Bill is killed.

The Daily N'ews says this is the end of devolution.

The Tribune says the verdict is decisive' and final.

The Morning Post says the Liberals will gain Tittle by Mr. Redmond giving them a choice between accepting Irish support on terms closely approximating to intimidation, and sacrificing the Irish vote. Speaking at the Irish Convention, the Hon. Frank Conor,- a member of the Westralia Legislative Council, declared that the enthusiasm for the Home Rule cause shown in America was rivalled, if not exceded, by the people of the Federal States of Australia.

The Daily News says the shadow of failure has fallen on hopes of Liberalism. The limits of any possible achievement is painfully narrowed by Mr. Redmond’s action. The Westminster Gazette says the rejection of the half measure will hardly encourage the Liberal party to proceed with the whole measure. The Liberals will be able to do nothing more until the Nationalists develop a practicable frame of mind. ,